Predicting length of treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome in methadone-exposed neonates.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to identify maternal variables predicting length of treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).


METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study of infants treated for NAS during 2000-2006 whose mothers were on methadone maintenance at delivery. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to examine the interaction of maternal and neonatal variables with length of treatment.


RESULTS
Of 204 neonates born to methadone exposed mothers, the average dose at delivery was 127 mg daily (25-340 mg) with median length of treatment 32 days (1-122 days). Trimester of initial exposure (P = .33), methadone dose at delivery (P = .198), body mass index (P = .31), antidepressant use (P = .40), cigarette use (P = .76), race (P = .78), and maternal age (P = .84) did not predict length of treatment. In the multivariate analysis, gestational age at delivery and benzodiazepine use were significant predictors of length of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Later gestational age and concomitant benzodiazepine use were associated with longer treatment.
Seligman
Neil S
NS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. neil.seligman@mail.tju.edu
Salva
Nicole
N
Hayes
Edward J
EJ
Dysart
Kevin C
KC
Pequignot
Edward C
EC
Baxter
Jason K
JK
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013997:Time Factors
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008691:Methadone